About Nikki
5 Fun Facts
Hi! My name is Nikki Krings and I am a sophomore at the University of Michigan. I am pursuing a major in Elementary Education with a focus in Language Arts, as well as a Writing minor. I am an active member of Kappa Delta Pi, an Education Honors Society, as well as The Graide Network, where I grade student work as a Teaching Assistant. I am also the Public Relations chair for my dance group on campus, Cadence Modern Dance Company. I popped out of the womb wearing Michigan gear, so I am an avid Michigan sports fan, particularly of basketball. And, as I'm sure you could have guessed, I love writing. From poetry to argumentative essays to lesson plans, I love every bit of it. During the week when I'm swamped with homework, I make deals with myself, such as, "Okay Nikki, if you get all of your Bio reading done, you're allowed to work on your ePort or English." You know something means a ridiculous amount to you when your homework is positive reinforcement. This minor and writing in general have been nothing but a blessing to me in my college career, and I'm more than excited to see how I grow in the next two years. This is the most proud work I've ever done, so hop onto my ePort train, and enjoy the ride!
1. Dream Job: Fourth Grade Teacher
I will be certified to teach K-5th in all subject areas and 6th-8th English, but my dream classroom would be 4th grade. I think at this age, kids are very imaginative but also very intuitive. I worked at a Summer Kids Club this past summer and was a "teacher" in the 4th and 5th grade room. I LOVED it. They were the craziest bunch of kids I've ever met and I had to wake up at 5:30am every day to cater to their craziness, but I loved every second of it.
2. Diet: Black Coffee and Peanut Butter
I wish I was even a little bit joking about this. I cannot go a single morning without at least two cups of black coffee. My roomate read an article recently titled "Why Black Coffee Drinkers are Sociopaths" and decided she's sleeping with one eye open from now on. As for the peanut butter thing, I eat minimally one meal consisting of just Jiff Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter every day. Every. Single. Day. Yes, I am the definition of a broke college student having to cook for herself for the first time.
3. Dog: The Only Man I'll Ever Need
I'm obsessed with my dog. Like, literally obsessed. His name is Leo and he's a tiny shih tzu. Or he was supposed to be tiny. He was ideally going to be 8-10 pounds and now he weighs 16 (yikes). The last time I went home for a weekend to hangout with him and then had to leave to come back to Ann Arbor, I cried. I'm not sure if it was because my mental capacity in school was off the charts full or I just love him THAT much, but I had real salt water tears rolling down my face as I got into my car.
4. Dance: My Soul Massage
I started dancing when I was 3 years old and never stopped! I've done all styles--from tap to ballet to hip hop--and it really has grown into a strong passion of mine. Like I mentioned, I am a part of Cadence Modern Dance Company, and this year I took up the position of Public Relations chair (follow us on Twitter and Instagram @cadencedanceco cough, cough). I am also a choreographer and will be showcasing my dance at our show in January. Dancing is my release, my one time of the week where I forget about everything and just move. It is my weekly soul massage.
5. D1 Fan: Michigan Basketball
I am a HUGE Michigan Basketball fan. I started watching games with my dad when I was in middle school, and have continued to follow it faithfully ever since. I've had season tickets for two years, and try to go to as many games as possible. My favorite player since I was 15 has been Spike Albrecht, and I would be lying if I didn't say I had a framed picture of just him on my dresser (I should be way more embarrassed about this than I am). #2 on the court, #1 in my heart.
My 4th/5th graders' summer classroom